Scammers in NE Iowa Manipulate Caller I.D. Numbers

Northeast Iowa law enforcement agencies are warning the public about an ongoing telephone scam.

Recently, a resident contacted the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office, reporting that they received a phone call from someone claiming to be with the sheriff's office. The number on the caller I.D. was that of the sheriff, however these scammers can manipulate phone numbers, making it appear that the call is local, and is coming from the sheriff or police.

The caller then demands the victim purchase a plastic gift card from a local business, and read the numbers to the caller. The caller warns the resident that if they do not follow their directions, that a warrant will be issued for their arrest.

The sheriff warns that scammers are now able to spoof local numbers, and that the real sheriff's office would never contact someone and ask for money over the phone.

Also, authorities still caution the public to never give out personal or financial information over the phone, to an unknown caller.